Lavandula angustifolia 'Wendy Carlile'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Wendy Carlile' is part of the lavender family, cherished for its appealing fragrance and beautiful blooms. It typically has a bushy and compact shape, presenting a lush, green foliage. The leaves are narrow and elongated, with a silvery-green hue that makes them quite distinctive and attractive in the garden. The lavender flowers are the most notable feature of 'Wendy Carlile'. They emerge on long spikes that rise above the foliage, creating an eye-catching display. The blossoms are often a deep and vibrant purple, which can vary to shades of lilac, and they are densely packed into each spike. The flowers tend to be small, tubular, and arranged in whorls around the spike, with a softer hue at the petal's base, which can sometimes be a lighter color or even have a whitish tint. These beautiful blooms are not only visually appealing but also emit the classic, soothing fragrance associated with lavender. The scent is known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the charm of the garden. Due to its aromatic qualities, 'Wendy Carlile' lavender is often used in sachets, essential oils, and dried flower arrangements. Overall, the 'Wendy Carlile' lavender plant is a striking and aromatic addition to any landscape, valued for its lovely flowers and quintessential lavender scent.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Wendy Carlile Lavender, English Lavender, True Lavender
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia 'Wendy Carlile'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender, including the cultivar Lavandula angustifolia 'Wendy Carlile', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingesting significant quantities of lavender can potentially cause mild discomfort such as gastrointestinal issues like nausea or vomiting. Reports of serious toxicity in humans from eating lavender are rare.
To pets
Lavender, which refers to Lavandula angustifolia 'Wendy Carlile' in this case, is generally recognized as safe for pets, including dogs and cats. While it is not commonly associated with serious poisoning, if a pet were to ingest a large amount of lavender, it could potentially experience mild upset stomach or gastrointestinal discomfort. Toxic reactions to lavender ingestion in pets are typically not severe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: This variety of Lavender is well-known for its attractive purple flowers that can add a touch of beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant, calming scent that can enhance the sensory experience in a garden setting.
- Pollinator Attraction: Lavender is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, fostering biodiversity.
- Drought Resistance: As a Mediterranean plant, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Culinary Use: Lavender flowers are edible and can be used to add flavor to baked goods, teas, and other culinary creations.
- Easy Maintenance: Lavender is generally easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or fertilization, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Natural Pest Repellent: The scent of lavender is known to deter certain pests, thus protecting other plants in the garden without the need for chemical interventions.
- Landscape Design Flexibility: The compact size and shape of the plant allow it to be used in various design applications such as borders, hedges, or as a standalone feature.
- Soil Improvement: Lavender can help to improve soil structure and drainage when planted in heavy or compacted soils.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, this plant will regrow each year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Lavender oil possesses antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation and pain in conditions like arthritis when applied topically.
- Anxiolytic: Commonly used in aromatherapy, it may help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Sedative: Can act as a mild sedative to improve sleep quality and aid in the treatment of insomnia.
- Antispasmodic: May help reduce muscle spasms when used as an essential oil in massages or baths.
- Analgesic: When applied topically, it can provide minor pain relief, such as for headaches or menstrual cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavender sugar: Lavender's edible flowers can be infused with sugar to create lavender sugar, adding a subtle floral flavor to baked goods and teas.
- Lavender bath bags: Dried lavender flowers can be placed in small cloth bags and used in baths for a fragrant, relaxing soak, promoting a sense of calm.
- Moth repellent: Dried lavender can be used in sachets to place in closets and drawers; its scent is a natural deterrent for moths and can help protect clothing.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the lavender plant can be used to produce a natural dye in shades of pink, blue, and purple for textiles and crafts.
- Lavender lemonade: The fresh or dried flowers can be added to traditional lemonade for a refreshing and distinct flavor twist on a classic beverage.
- Home decor: Dried lavender can be arranged in bouquets or wreaths, adding both color and fragrance to home interiors.
- Linen freshener: A few drops of lavender oil can be added to water and sprayed on linens to imbue them with a fresh, clean scent.
- Fireplace kindling: Dry lavender stems can be used as aromatic kindling in a fireplace or outdoor fire pit, releasing a pleasant scent when burned.
- Bookmarks: Pressed lavender flowers can be laminated or placed inside books as fragrant and decorative bookmarks.
- Lavender infused syrup: Lavender flowers can be steeped in a simple syrup to infuse it with their essence, which can then be used in cocktails, desserts, or on pancakes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is considered to bring a sense of calm and cleanliness in Feng Shui. It can be used in the home to promote relaxation, tranquility, and a restful sleep. Place lavender in living areas and bedrooms to create a peaceful atmosphere and to balance the energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calming and Relaxation: Commonly known as Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia 'Wendy Carlile' is often associated with tranquility and serenity. Its scent is widely used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Purity and Cleanliness: Lavender is also symbolic of cleanliness due to its antiseptic and purifying properties, often used in soaps and personal care products.
- Devotion: Historically, Lavender symbolizes devotion and undying love, making it a common inclusion in wedding bouquets and gifts.
- Healing: The plant is believed to have healing properties, both physically and emotionally, symbolizing the ability to alleviate ailments and soothe the soul.
- Protection: Lavender is sometimes used in practices intended to ward off evil spirits or negative energy, denoting protection and safety.
- Silence: In some cultures, Lavender is a symbol of silence and caution, potentially stemming from its ability to soothe and calm the mind.
- Royalty: The color purple, often associated with Lavender, has historical ties to royalty and elegance, symbolizing nobility and luxury.
WaterLavender, specifically the 'Wendy Carlile' variety, requires thorough watering but should be allowed to dry out between watering sessions to avoid over-saturation, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 gallon per plant for each watering, adjusting based on weather conditions; less often in cool, cloudy weather and more frequently during hot, dry spells. Ensure that the soil drains well and that you water at the base of the plant, keeping the foliage dry to prevent disease.
LightLavender plants thrive in full sun, so the 'Wendy Carlile' variety should be placed in a location where it receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It's best situated in an open spot that is free from the shade of trees or buildings to ensure it gets ample light.
TemperatureLavender prefers a temperate range of conditions and the 'Wendy Carlile' is no exception; it can survive winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideally, it should be grown in areas where the temperature ranges between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures can be much warmer and lavender typically withstands this well, but prolonged periods over 90 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant.
PruningPruning lavender encourages a compact growth habit and prevents the 'Wendy Carlile' variety from becoming woody and sparse. Prune the plant lightly in early spring as new growth appears and more aggressively after the blooms have faded in the late summer, leaving 2 to 3 inches of green growth on the plant. This helps to stimulate new growth and prepares the plant for the next flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Wendy Carlile' thrives best in well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mix with 2 parts coarse sand, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost is ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration. Avoid heavy, clay-rich soils that retain moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
RepottingLavender 'Wendy Carlile' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It is best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Wendy Carlile' prefers dry to moderate humidity levels and can tolerate the lower humidity typical of indoor environments. It's important to avoid high humidity to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot with well-drained soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from harsh winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Lavandula angustifolia 'Wendy Carlile', commonly known as English lavender, begins with seed germination which occurs in warm, well-drained soil, typically in spring. Once germinated, the seedlings grow into vegetative plants with silver-green foliage and begin to form a woody base as they mature. The next critical stage is the flowering period in early to mid-summer when spikes of fragrant, purple flowers are produced, attracting bees and butterflies. After pollination, which is primarily carried out by these insects, seeds develop and are dispersed in late summer to early fall, from which new plants can grow. In colder climates, the plant enters a dormant phase during the winter months, while in milder regions, it may retain its leaves and remain semi-green throughout the season. Finally, English lavender is a perennial, so it will re-emerge from its woody base each spring, ready to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Lavandula angustifolia 'Wendy Carlile', commonly known as English lavender, is most effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is typically undertaken in summer, after the blooming period, when new growth has partially matured and has not yet turned woody. To propagate, select a healthy stem with no flower buds and cut a 3- to 4-inch (roughly 7.5 to 10 cm) segment just below a node. Strip off the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, such as half perlite and half peat, and kept moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight and wait for the cutting to root, which generally takes a few weeks. After the cutting has established a strong root system, it can be transplanted to its final location.
